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Here at Her Packing List, we’re advocates of minimalist packing. From traveling with only a carry-on, we further challenged ourselves to travel with only a handbag and even applied our ultralight packing methods in organizing our homes.
Now it’s time for the next challenge: to go about our day-to-day lives with no bags at all!
Stuffing all your valuables into your jeans is not the most practical solution, so we scoured the Internet for different purse alternatives that can help us go purse-free and give our shoulders and back a break!
Why Learn How to NOT Carry a Purse
There are so many reasons to learn how to NOT carry a purse. Here a just a few of them:
- Going without a purse frees your hands for what’s really important; taking photos, eating local street food, or searching for your next destination on the map.
- We’ve got a whole blog post on heavy luggage injuries, but even carrying a heavy handbag all day long can lead to back, neck, and shoulder pain. Not to mention joint strain and even herniated discs in severe cases. Heavy purse health risks are real – read more about it in Time.
- Traveling purse-free reduces your ability to accumulate clutter. How many times have you gotten back from a trip and while unpacking your handbag thrown away ticket stubs, used tissues, and old food packets? Not to mention the empty water bottles or many attraction pamphlets that you only looked at once (or not at all). Let’s throw this away when we get it rather than lugging it around with us all day.
- Going without a purse trains you for more minimalist travel. When you actually see how little you really need, you’ll be able to travel with less and less until you’re eventually traveling with hand luggage only. If you want to travel with hand luggage only immediately, check out the HPL Packing Method.
- When traveling with a purse, there is always the possibility that it gets left somewhere. A traveler’s worst nightmare! By choosing a travel purse alternative, you don’t have to constantly worry about where your purse is or if it is secure.
- Many hotspot tourist destinations are known for being home to pickpockets. By ditching the purse you are less likely to attract their attention.
- No purse means one less thing to carry when you’re traveling with your luggage. Plus, it’s always easier to get on or off public transport with fewer bags.
- I’m sure we’ve all been in this situation before – your bag is already heavy when your partner or friend asks you to carry their phone/wallet/keys as well. No bag means you don’t have to worry about carrying other people’s valuables again.
In case you’re not interested in giving up your handbag, check out this article on choosing the right travel purse!
14 Products to Help You Go Purse-Free
If you’re wondering how to not carry a purse, take a look at these purse alternatives.
1. Speakeasy Hidden-pocket Travel Scarves
They’re one of our most recommended travel products on this site!
When the weather gets nippy, there’s no better way to accessorize and keep warm than with a fashionable scarf.
Speakeasy’s travel scarves come in a variety of designs and fabrics – even some that work well in warmer weather! Best of all, they all come with a hidden pocket to keep your valuables close and secure.
2. Smartwatch
Smartwatches are extensions of our mobile phones. They can show incoming messages, make calls, book an Uber, play music, track steps, get directions from Google Maps, and even pay for goods and services.
Apple Watch Series 9
The Apple Watch is one of the most popular smartwatches around and like other Apple products, works only within the Apple system.
Fossil Gen 6 Smartwatch
Android users are spoiled for choice. Many watch brands have come up with their own smartwatches to pair with Android devices including luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Hublot, Montblanc, and TAG Heuer.
3. Phone Cases with Card Slots
Almost everyone brings their phones when they go out these days. Aside from being a powerful mini-computer, by using certain mobile phone cases and accessories, you can also carry your identification card, transit card, and debit card or credit card.
There are several designs available on Amazon, but here are two that caught our attention:
TORU CX Pro Case Wallet
Not only does it carry your cards, but it can also protect your phone when you drop it.
Cell Phone Card Holder Pocket Sticker
Most phone cases are specific to certain models, but this sticker can be used on different cell phone brands and models.
4. Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet
No pockets? No problem! Sometimes all you need is your phone with your wallet attached.
Instead of bringing a whole bag just for your phone and wallet, or placing your phone in your back pocket where it is likely to get stolen, invest in a phone case that you can hang around your neck and keep close to you.
Bandolier Emma Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet
This phone case-slash-wallet comes with a crossbody strap. It’s not as cumbersome as a full handbag and delivers in hands-free convenience.
ZVE Crossbody Phone Case and Wallet
This crossbody phone case comes with both a wrist strap and a crossbody strap so you can choose which option works best for you depending on what you have planned for the day.
5. Ikepod Tri-fold Key Wallet/Holder
Never leave the house without your keys again with this compact trifold wallet. It has 6 hooks for keys and slots for cards and cash too.
6. Eagle Creek Undercover Bra Stash
Pickpockets have to be really skilled to get your cash inside this secret stash! This secret stash can be attached to bra straps so your ID and money are very secure even without carrying a bag.
One of the downsides of using a bra stash is that you won’t be able to access your stuff while out and about unless you duck into a restroom.
7. Stashbandz Garter Purse
On the topic of secret stashes, here’s another option. The lace garter purse features 2 pockets for all sorts of items and it securely straps around the leg for a bag-free and worry-free night out with the girls.
8. Running Buddy Magnetic Buddy Pouch
Whether for running or traveling, the Buddy Pouch can hold your stuff for you so you can go bag-free. It comes in two sizes; standard, which can fit a smartphone, and mini, which is just the right size for your IDs.
9. Fanny Packs
Fanny packs are a great way to go handbag-free. Though technically still a bag, it’s small enough that only the bare essentials can fit inside. Plus, you don’t have to worry about leaving it somewhere because you can wear it all day long.
Happy Cow Hip Bags
The straps of the Vintage Hipster can fit through belt loops and the bag has a hidden zip pocket at the back that’s inaccessible when you are wearing it.
Travelon Coastal RFID Blocking Waist Pack
This sporty and comfortable bag is made from an abrasion-resistant, durable cotton canvas with RFID-blocking features to provide an extra level of security. It also has a rear zippered pocket.
10. fulFILL Container
Can’t pare down to just your phone, wallet, and keys? The fulFILL container is the solution for those “what-if” situations that only happen once in a blue moon.
Bring small amounts of mints, lotion, bobby pins, and makeup in the different compartments of this container and slip it into your wallet, or pocket.
UPDATE: The fulFILL container may not be an operating business at the moment. Please check out the Mote instead.
11. Clever Travel Companion Clothing With Hidden Pockets
Pockets are the key to going without a bag. Clever Travel Companion specializes in making pickpocket-proof travel clothing with plenty of secret zipper pockets to keep your valuables safe.
Tank Top with Two Secret Stash Pockets
This tank with hidden pockets is perfect for pairing with bottoms that do not have pockets (the bane of women’s wear).
As reviewed by HPL’s Brooke, she says:
“When not in use, the tank top is pretty much normal looking, but given its more form-fitting style, it’s harder to hide bigger items in the pockets without seeing the bulk. However, if you wear the tank as a base layer underneath another top, then it works perfectly!”
Underwear with Two Secret Stash Pockets
If you want something even more discreet, this boy shorts style travel underwear comes with two deep zippered pockets, one on either side, and can comfortably hold cards, cash, your passport, and even cellphones and keys.
- We also have a whole blog post on Stylish Theft-Proof Travel Clothing for Women all of which have lots of pockets.
12. SCOTTeVEST
Woes about the lack of pockets in women’s clothing are gone with SCOTTeVEST. SCOTTeVEST specializes in garments that feature specially designed pockets and features to make your life easier.
Designed for bag-free travel, their vests and jackets can be worn anytime. They are lightweight, water and stain-repellent.
SCOTTeVEST Q.U.E.S.T. Vest for Women
The Q.U.E.S.T. Vest has 42 pockets and can fit your phone AND your tablet. 24 of the pockets are exterior and 18 are interior. These interior pockets are super secure and sure to keep your valuables safe.
SCOTTeVEST Essential Jacket 2.0
With 24 pockets, this jacket is a no-brainer if you were wondering how to not carry a purse. Plus this jacket has zip-off sleeves that then stow in the back pocket, so you don’t even need to worry about how to carry your jacket when you get hot!
13. Minimalist Keychain Wallet
This minimalist keychain wallet allows you to store your cards and cash securely without having to worry about bringing a bag with you. Attach the wallet to a lanyard and wear it under your shirt for added protection.
The wallet is also slim enough to easily fit in your pocket. It’s only 0.25″ thick and even with 8 cards stored in it (way more than you would ever need to be traveling with) it only expands to 0.4″ thick.
14. Wristlet
Travelon Phone Clutch Wallet with Wrist Strap
Instead of bringing a whole purse with you, bring this wallet instead. It’s big enough to fit a phone and the handy wrist strap makes it easy to carry.
Are you ready to go bag-free?
Need more inspiration to go hand bag-free? Here are articles by women who’ve gone without a purse:
Do you go handbag-free? What products do you use to do this?
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Not sure FulFill is in business anymore. I placed an order with them 3 weeks ago & can’t email them for updates (email gets kicked back to me). I’ve tried contacting them on Instagram & haven’t gotten a reply back there either. Just an FYI to other HPL readers.
Oh, no, Beth – thanks for the update! If you do get a product, let us know. I’ll have to do some sleuthing on my end.